Send money to a mobile wallet

A digital or mobile wallet is an app that allows you to pay for goods and services without using physical cash or cards. It encrypts and stores your debit or credit card information on your phone, making in-store payments faster and more convenient. One of the key digital wallet benefits is the ability to receive money transfers directly, giving you quick access to funds you can spend, save, or send — right from your device.

Yes, a digital wallet and a mobile wallet are essentially the same. Both refer to apps that store payment information on your phone, allowing you to make purchases, send money, and receive transfers without physical cash or cards.

A mobile wallet stores your payment details so you can make purchases and receive money transfers from your phone. Here’s how a typical in-store payment works:

1. Install a wallet app on your mobile device.
2. Link your credit card or debit card to the app by entering your payment details.
3. Find a store that accepts contactless payments.
4. Give the app permission to make a payment. This differs between apps but could involve unlocking your phone or using Face ID.
5. Hold your device near the store’s contactless reader to complete the payment.

Yes. With Western Union, you can send money to a mobile wallet in countries across Africa, Asia, and Central America. To send, you’ll need your receiver’s name, mobile phone number, and the name of their mobile wallet provider. You can complete your transfer online or in the Western Union app any time.

No, a bank account isn’t required to send or receive money via mobile wallet. Senders can typically pay using a debit card, credit card, or cash at an agent location. On the receiver’s end, funds are deposited directly into their mobile wallet, making it a practical option for those looking to send and receive money without a bank account.

Mobile money transfers can only be sent to mobile wallets if the phone operators work with Western Union. You can view all the countries that accept digital wallet transfers in the Western Union app.

To send money from Western Union to a mobile wallet, log in or register for a free profile online or in our app. Enter the amount you’d like to send, select your receiver’s country, and choose mobile wallet as your delivery method. Add your receiver’s name, mobile number, and wallet provider, then pay by bank transfer or credit or debit card. Once sent, you’ll receive a tracking number (MTCN) to follow your transfer.

Receiving money from Western Union to a mobile wallet is straightforward. Ask your sender to use your registered mobile number and the name of your wallet provider when completing their transfer. Once sent, the funds will be deposited directly into your mobile wallet account — no cash pickup needed. For more on managing incoming payments, learn how to accept mobile wallet payments.